Williams lights fire under Buffs

By Kyle Ringo Camera Sports Writer

Posted:
09/18/2010 11:51:05 PM MDT

Former CU linebacker Alfred Williams was honored during halftime for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He entered the field by walking through two lines of children wearing his No. 94 jersey.
(
Cliff Grassmick
)

Former Colorado linebacker Alfred Williams didn't pull any punches in addressing this season's team Friday night before the Buffs played host to Hawaii on Saturday.

Williams talked about the history and tradition of the program and told the Buffs they needed to do better than their 45-point loss a week ago at California.

"He called a lot of guys out, basically every starter on this football team," wide receiver Scotty McKnight said. "He called them all out and was like, 'This is unacceptable.'

"We knew it was in a positive way. It was the best thing for us. I've met with him a couple times and just talked to him, and he is truly what Colorado football is all about."

Williams' talk had the Buffs feeling inspired on a day in which Folsom Field was painted with his No. 94 and hosted a halftime ceremony in his honor celebrating his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. It took the Buffs a half to turn that motivation into results on the field, but they got the job done sending Williams and fans home with a victory.

"He's such an inspiring guy," McKnight said. "He has accomplished so much and he is a presence when he talks, and he basically explained to us the tradition here and he went into detail about the past.

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"... We don't take it as he's calling us out because he doesn't like us. I think we're all grown men and we understand that. We take it as he is calling us out because he wants us to be great. He said if you're a starter, you need to work harder than anyone on the team. If you're a backup, make it your goal not to be a backup next week."

Williams walked to midfield during halftime through a tunnel of children wearing his jersey. He was greeted by fellow CU Hall of Famers Dick Anderson and Joe Romig and representatives from the Hall of Fame.

Nickel nightmare

Perhaps Colorado coaches

should rename the position currently known as nickel back in their defense. It appears to be cursed this season.

The Buffs' starting nickel back has suffered a serious injury in each of the first three games. Redshirt freshman Paul Vigo was the latest victim Saturday when he suffered a lower leg injury that is expected to keep him out four-to-six weeks.

Parker Orms suffered a torn knee ligament in the season opener and Travis Sandersfeld broke a bone in his leg in Week 2.

Moving up

McKnight continued his assault on the CU record books. He became the seventh player in CU history to amass more than 2,000 receiving yards and now ranks sixth all-time with 2,065. He moved into fourth place in career touchdown receptions when he caught his 17th scoring pass late in the fourth quarter.

Rae Carruth and Derek McCoy hold the record with 20 touchdown catches.

Hansen owns third down

CU quarterback Tyler Hansen did his best work on third downs Saturday. He completed nine of 10 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns on third downs against the Warriors. He also helped the Buffs make eight first downs on those 10 passing attempts.

Notable

CU continued its penalty problem Saturday with nine more flags for 48 yards. The Buffs have now been flagged 29 times in three games. ... The Buffs now have at least one sack in 23 consecutive games. ... The Buffs outgained Hawaii 328 yards to 100 in the second half.

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